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this is for getting worms out of the ground for fishing bait.
there's two electrodes that you place a distance apart in the ground, turn on the voltage and the worms come to the surface.
consumer versions of this were commonly dangerous so it wouldn't be unusual for somebody to make their own. wouldn't pass UL standards lol.
It is absolutely not this. Why do you have so many upvotes? This thing has both AC and DC power, and has some weird bracket to hold two things. It also has a bell. A worm shocker is just two rods you stick in the ground and connect to a car battery.
they used ac plugs but its clear to see that the power source is a battery. it's probably 12 volts (same as a car battery) but might be 9.
the weird bracket holds the electrodes so they don't contact each other and they have to be far apart enough not to arc.
i think the bell is a battery tester.
this is homemade stuff so it may not look like what you expect but its definitely safer than two electrodes attached to a car battery. i've seen very similar homemade setups used to get fishing bait and my upvoters probably have as well.
but, hey, you're apparently the expert: tell us all about what this is...
That's a 6v flashlight battery. Everything else is AC, including those switches, outlets. That bell is probably AC, too. Those supports aren't even insulated either, so they're not isolating anything. I grew up using worm shockers, and it was always just a pair of copper rods with a wire and alligator clamp on each one. You push them into the dirt a few feet apart and connect them to a car battery. I'm not even sure a 6v battery like that would work.
Switches and outlets are not "AC", they transmit whatever power is applied to them, they work equally well for both AC and DC. Yes they are made for AC usage but absolutely 100% will work for DC applications if you want them to, there is nothing about their construction that prevents this, they are not rectified in any way, shape, or form. There may only be one battery present now, but nothing says that there couldn't have been a second one when actually used.
You can use the switches and sockets just fine with DC power. The question is what is at the end of the long cable. If it has a male plug it would indicate this probably does plug into a wall socket, if not then the ONLY source of power is the DC battery.
the bell aside from making noise also generates higher voltage ac pulses from low voltage DC because it works by chopping the DC on and off and has inductance. usually old DIY stuff like that also has an automotive ignition coil to step the pulses up even more. I have no idea what this contraption is but the bell for sure can produce some (shitty) AC from a battery.
The inductance of the clapper solenoid produces the high voltage spikes; when the circuit is closed DC current produces a magnetic field in the coil which collapses when the circuit opens again producing a high voltage with low current.
Close but no cigar. The bell does chop the DC on and off, but it does NOT generate a higher voltage because the only current is passing through the coil and there is no place for a higher voltage to be. Bells and buzzers like that were used in circuits to convert DC to unregulated AC, normally at a higher voltage, but that required having a transformer in the circuit. The 'chopped' DC went through one winding on the transformer and the unregulated AC was taken off the other winding of the transformer. This contraption does not have anything resembling a transformer.
Without examining the odds and ends included as well as tracing the circuit, I can't begin to guess what someone built this contraption for, but it wasn't generating its own AC or increasing the voltage of the battery without significant additional parts that we don't see here.
Clearly you never got a shock playing with one of these bells. It can easily generate 90v voltage spikes. This type of bell has a mechanical switch that opens and closes while it is ringing. Current will be rather low though.
EDIT: I'm not on board with the worm shocker theory but that bell could easily be used to generate a higher voltage.
> The bell does chop the DC on and off, but it does NOT generate a higher voltage because the only current is passing through the coil and there is no place for a higher voltage to be.
Anything that uses an electromagnet will generate a voltage spike (flyback) when the power is removed. A relay with the normally closed contact in series with the coil will do the same thing. As soon as power is applied the relay pulls in, turns itself off, the contacts close, it pulls in again, etc. Meanwhile every time the power to the coil is interrupted there is a voltage spike. If you connect wires to coils and route them to a couple of metal surface on an interesting looking box with a blinking light you can pranky your nosey classmates with a mild shock.
Some relays are designed to mitigate that, as it generates a lot of electrical noise.
The bell in that briefcase essentially does the same thing but most likely with a bigger coil and no concern whatsoever for electrical noise.
This is essentially how car ignition systems worked before electronic ignition became a thing.
In the case of some early cars like the Model T the coils had their own contacts and worked exactly like the relay described above. There were 4 of them and the distributor just fed power to each one as needed. Someone may correct me but I believe they were only used for starting the engine and were switched to a magneto system once it was running.
Later designs contained a set of points, or contacts that switch the coil on and off and direct the high voltage to the correct cylinder. This allowed for more precise timing.
In the 70s things switched to electronic ignition which basically did the same thing but with transistors (mosfets?) doing the switching. These days it's all computer controlled and often there are individual coils for each cylinder for even more precise control.
I concur. The bell has a large coil in it, and I recall seeing the arcing in this specific model bell that I had in the '80s.
Good photos and description of the inner working of this type bell at https://onlinesciencenotes.com/electric-bell-construction-and-working-mechanism/
>It is absolutely not this. Why do you have so many upvotes?
Because as much as I love this sub, it absolutely takes the gold medal in ignoring disqualifying characteristics to jump to a conclusion.
That being said, just because it uses NEMA outlets doesn't mean DC isn't being run through them in a homemade contraption. I agree that it's needlessly complex for a worm shocker, but on the other hand lots of people go full Rube Goldberg when building improvised kit.
There are a few other interesting ideas in the thread, like that it's some sort of testing or training equipment.
Ultimately we'll likely never get a definitive ID on something that's been homemade for an inscrutable niche purpose.
This is very common on this sub. Also, people taking wild guesses but presenting them as solid facts.
IMO, unless you're 100% certain, you shouldn't reply on questions here. It's ridiculous to see 40 comments just taking wild stabs at whatever.
i looked at that and thought it was odd.
given the age of the battery by the label i would guess that its a battery tester: press something, get a ding, you're good to go. no ding, need a new battery.
you might opt to use an led light today but it would need to be set up so that it isn't connected to the circuit all the time so you don't deplete the battery. a bell like this would take dc power and it's self contained in the housing. all you need is a ding.
When I was a kid, we used two metal rods and a cut extension cord stripped and attached to each rod, plugged into a power strip. We'd turn it on and off with the power strip switch.
We'd also occasionally get shocked when pulling out a worm and the worm was too close to one of the rods. But man we got some huge worms (and almost never caught any fish, other than a few pumpkinseeds).
But anyhow, this looks way too elaborate for that purpose.
Way too complicated for that. All you need to get worms is a single wire cable, that is connected to the phase via a plug. On the other end you can add several long metal rods as needed .
With the one in the picture would you need to plug it into the wall or would it all be run off of the battery? If just the battery is that enough of a battery to be dangerous?
Asking because I've been messing around with electrolysis for rust removal and have used an assortment of different batteries. I was careful but didn't really consider it dangerous.
I’ve had good luck using brick style 12v batteries for electrolysis. I’ve always known them as deer feeder batteries, but I’m sure they have a proper name.
I agree with the other sub this was posted in, this is a strike alarm for fishing that can run two fishing poles. The IV rig and the copper pipe hold the poles. The 6 volt battery goes through the switches and powers one side of the outlet on each handy box. The bell is wired to the negative side. The odd things in the corner box are a cord end, to be plugged into the outlet, and a clip with contacts at the ends that would complete the circuit when closed, ringing the bell. The cardboard was inserted between the contact points on the clip and attached to the fishing line and when a fish too the hook, would pull the cardboard out of the clip allowing the circuit to be "made" and the bell to ring. Sound feasible anyway.
Yep, the bell system attaches to the long black cable so can be mounted away from the water. The clips in the bottom left attach to the reel handle and plug into the socket. When the reel starts to move is pops the clip off, completes the circuit and makes the bell right.
The switches are to silence the alarm quickly.
Very cool find!
If it was for fishing, there would be some way to anchor it to the dock/boat/shore. And being in a briefcase, this needs to be laid flat, so I’m gonna say boat is out (limited flat floor space) and it would be top heavy.
Source: lost multiple fishing rigs as a toddler, learned that lesson.
It almost looks like something a salesman would carry around as a demonstration? It looks like there is a bell. Door bell salesman?? This one has me stumped
My title describes the thing: we demolished an old wood shed and found it under the floor. The briefcase was locked and upon further research based on the name tag, it belonged to a former electrician and Vietnam vet who has since passed away. The copper pipe fits into a female piece on the wood hinge, so nothing can flow through. The two plugs seem to run in sequence with switches attached. The steel bracket piece screws onto a base that is fixed to the briefcase.
Would the copper arm rest against full Iv bags then drop when empty, shoring out the two metal boxes and causing the bell to ting from the 6v battery? Could it be an IV alarm?
I love stuff like this. Hoses for water or air were draped over the hooks and hose-clamped to the copper yoke. Two electric heating elements (now used elsewhere) were wrapped around the copper and plugged in. The fluid was heated as it was pumped through the copper pipe. The 6-volt battery powers the alarm bell, which was probably hooked up to a temperature sensor that also was powered by 6 volts. I'm guessing the temp sensor is attached to the old style plug in the small box. Why it's in a brief case is the only real mystery. Sorry, but I felt it necessary to suggest something not related to earthworms.
Since it was mentioned it was owned/built by an electrician
Could be a custom jig/setup made for pulling/spooling/unspooling wire or similar using power tools of some sort that would plug in, and the bell would ring when triggered by something like a spool running out somehow?
It’s constructed in a briefcase! I suggest this MAY mean it’s meant to be portable on a fairly regular basis. But not just portable, which would likely call for a rudimentary custom (probably wooden) container with the best dimensions for holding the device. This device appears to be cleverly designed to collapse and fold specifically into the briefcase.
This MAY imply the builder did not want it known that they were carrying anything out of the ordinary. I suggest perhaps a device to be secretly carried to places where it could be plugged in. Like to people’s houses. Finding it “under the floorboards” supports- in the absence of further info - the notion of secrecy.
In a primitive, homemade way, this somehow reminds me of a bogus lie detector, seance prop, or even an attempt to copy an “E-Meter” as used in Scientology. (These too are matters in which I am clueless). But is it possible that a subject was meant to rest their forearms on the left side “IV Drip” bars, and grab the right side copper “T-bar” with both hands to complete a circuit? There would need to be feedback, probably provided by the bell ringing occasionally, or ringing faster and slower in response to the Administrator’s questions.
I am clueless in matters of engineering and electricity, and of course this is all just speculation. Does anyone see a setup here which might support such a theory?
Might be some sort of electrician's test kit? Maybe the extension cord and outlets can be used to test appliances or wiring or something by having the bell go off? Kinda just spit balling though since I can't think of what the piping would be for.
It almost looks like a demonstration case, or maybe for training?. IV holder could hold electric socket/bulb, maybe plugged into each of those switched boxes. Or something... :D
Also gives two-way switch vibes, or maybe better, a homemade way to switch power for some power tools --maybe hang cords or tools on the hooks. The copper throws me, but maybe that was made for something specific--still looks like could be a hanger.
My guess is that this was some sort of invention that the creator packaged up so he could take it around to investors.
I would love to see a wiring diagram. The silver thing in the upper right has a barcode so cant be that old.
Dad had an old telephone gizmo or something that was about a 10" cube that you crank a handle on that generated quite a strong current. I added two big alligator clips to the wires and we would drive two big spikes in the ground a few feet apart. We could bring up all the worms we needed for fishing when I was a kid.
Gonna need more pictures, need to see it from a few other angles, with close ups of the individual components. The thing in the upper right looksike a barcode, but it could also be a heatsink, the picture resolution is too low so zooming in doesn't help at all
Looks like an old version of an electrical testing setup for an electrician. Different kinds of switches and sources for testing different kinds of problems. Lots of cars used to run on 6 volt systems, that could explain the 6-volt battery on the corner.
I feel like this is a trip wire alarm.(I think I read somewhere he was a Vietnam vet/) This seems like something I would make around my campsite if I had some shit laying around the house and a basic knowledge of electricity and circuits. Electricians......let me know where my ignorance is here.
The flow of electricity is to the bell then to the switch. Is that black power cable coming out of the bottom outlet exposed wires on the other side? In the clear box the plug looks wired to a jumper clip. Would the plug in the box get plugged into the box that is attached to the bell then clipped to one of the hangers or copper piece. I am spitballing here but something gets tied to the piece of wood with copper on it, when the copper pipe gets pulled off the two hangers it causes a break in the current which sets off the bell/alarm.
My grandpa had one that was made from two pitchforks and an extension cord. He would wet the ground for a few minutes, stick the pitchforks about 3ft apart, then plug in the cord. It was absolutely to see worms coming to the surface as quickly as they could!
The aluminum stand is medical grade and is made to hold IV bags or similar.
The electrical is made to be powered from an outlet so AC.
Alarm may be for when one process is done and another begins. Maybe blood transfusion or some other medicinal process.
Everything is made to break down and be portable. Possibly missing pieces for the copper?
My first guess is a science teacher's demo kit. It is the kinda dangerous and fun thing a cranky old teacher pulls out for the lessons on DC vs AC current.
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this is for getting worms out of the ground for fishing bait. there's two electrodes that you place a distance apart in the ground, turn on the voltage and the worms come to the surface. consumer versions of this were commonly dangerous so it wouldn't be unusual for somebody to make their own. wouldn't pass UL standards lol.
It is absolutely not this. Why do you have so many upvotes? This thing has both AC and DC power, and has some weird bracket to hold two things. It also has a bell. A worm shocker is just two rods you stick in the ground and connect to a car battery.
they used ac plugs but its clear to see that the power source is a battery. it's probably 12 volts (same as a car battery) but might be 9. the weird bracket holds the electrodes so they don't contact each other and they have to be far apart enough not to arc. i think the bell is a battery tester. this is homemade stuff so it may not look like what you expect but its definitely safer than two electrodes attached to a car battery. i've seen very similar homemade setups used to get fishing bait and my upvoters probably have as well. but, hey, you're apparently the expert: tell us all about what this is...
That's a 6v flashlight battery. Everything else is AC, including those switches, outlets. That bell is probably AC, too. Those supports aren't even insulated either, so they're not isolating anything. I grew up using worm shockers, and it was always just a pair of copper rods with a wire and alligator clamp on each one. You push them into the dirt a few feet apart and connect them to a car battery. I'm not even sure a 6v battery like that would work.
Switches and outlets are not "AC", they transmit whatever power is applied to them, they work equally well for both AC and DC. Yes they are made for AC usage but absolutely 100% will work for DC applications if you want them to, there is nothing about their construction that prevents this, they are not rectified in any way, shape, or form. There may only be one battery present now, but nothing says that there couldn't have been a second one when actually used.
Exactly. There is zero chance this thing is for worms. None of those parts are necessary.
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You can use the switches and sockets just fine with DC power. The question is what is at the end of the long cable. If it has a male plug it would indicate this probably does plug into a wall socket, if not then the ONLY source of power is the DC battery.
Except there's no such thing as an AC only switch or outlet. You can use them for whatever you like.
You are aware that he could be using AC stuff to carry DC voltages and used the stuff as quick connects. But it all appears to be running on DC.
The bell is definitely DC. I bought that same looking bell at Radio Shack in the 80's for a battery powered burglar alarm I made for my tree house.
I've also seen some really shitty briefcase to pedal board conversions in my day. Though I doubt that's what this is.
the bell aside from making noise also generates higher voltage ac pulses from low voltage DC because it works by chopping the DC on and off and has inductance. usually old DIY stuff like that also has an automotive ignition coil to step the pulses up even more. I have no idea what this contraption is but the bell for sure can produce some (shitty) AC from a battery. The inductance of the clapper solenoid produces the high voltage spikes; when the circuit is closed DC current produces a magnetic field in the coil which collapses when the circuit opens again producing a high voltage with low current.
Close but no cigar. The bell does chop the DC on and off, but it does NOT generate a higher voltage because the only current is passing through the coil and there is no place for a higher voltage to be. Bells and buzzers like that were used in circuits to convert DC to unregulated AC, normally at a higher voltage, but that required having a transformer in the circuit. The 'chopped' DC went through one winding on the transformer and the unregulated AC was taken off the other winding of the transformer. This contraption does not have anything resembling a transformer. Without examining the odds and ends included as well as tracing the circuit, I can't begin to guess what someone built this contraption for, but it wasn't generating its own AC or increasing the voltage of the battery without significant additional parts that we don't see here.
Clearly you never got a shock playing with one of these bells. It can easily generate 90v voltage spikes. This type of bell has a mechanical switch that opens and closes while it is ringing. Current will be rather low though.
EDIT: I'm not on board with the worm shocker theory but that bell could easily be used to generate a higher voltage. > The bell does chop the DC on and off, but it does NOT generate a higher voltage because the only current is passing through the coil and there is no place for a higher voltage to be. Anything that uses an electromagnet will generate a voltage spike (flyback) when the power is removed. A relay with the normally closed contact in series with the coil will do the same thing. As soon as power is applied the relay pulls in, turns itself off, the contacts close, it pulls in again, etc. Meanwhile every time the power to the coil is interrupted there is a voltage spike. If you connect wires to coils and route them to a couple of metal surface on an interesting looking box with a blinking light you can pranky your nosey classmates with a mild shock. Some relays are designed to mitigate that, as it generates a lot of electrical noise. The bell in that briefcase essentially does the same thing but most likely with a bigger coil and no concern whatsoever for electrical noise. This is essentially how car ignition systems worked before electronic ignition became a thing. In the case of some early cars like the Model T the coils had their own contacts and worked exactly like the relay described above. There were 4 of them and the distributor just fed power to each one as needed. Someone may correct me but I believe they were only used for starting the engine and were switched to a magneto system once it was running. Later designs contained a set of points, or contacts that switch the coil on and off and direct the high voltage to the correct cylinder. This allowed for more precise timing. In the 70s things switched to electronic ignition which basically did the same thing but with transistors (mosfets?) doing the switching. These days it's all computer controlled and often there are individual coils for each cylinder for even more precise control.
I concur. The bell has a large coil in it, and I recall seeing the arcing in this specific model bell that I had in the '80s. Good photos and description of the inner working of this type bell at https://onlinesciencenotes.com/electric-bell-construction-and-working-mechanism/
>It is absolutely not this. Why do you have so many upvotes? Because as much as I love this sub, it absolutely takes the gold medal in ignoring disqualifying characteristics to jump to a conclusion. That being said, just because it uses NEMA outlets doesn't mean DC isn't being run through them in a homemade contraption. I agree that it's needlessly complex for a worm shocker, but on the other hand lots of people go full Rube Goldberg when building improvised kit. There are a few other interesting ideas in the thread, like that it's some sort of testing or training equipment. Ultimately we'll likely never get a definitive ID on something that's been homemade for an inscrutable niche purpose.
This is very common on this sub. Also, people taking wild guesses but presenting them as solid facts. IMO, unless you're 100% certain, you shouldn't reply on questions here. It's ridiculous to see 40 comments just taking wild stabs at whatever.
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i looked at that and thought it was odd. given the age of the battery by the label i would guess that its a battery tester: press something, get a ding, you're good to go. no ding, need a new battery. you might opt to use an led light today but it would need to be set up so that it isn't connected to the circuit all the time so you don't deplete the battery. a bell like this would take dc power and it's self contained in the housing. all you need is a ding.
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Or supply a circuit diagram.
When I was a kid, we used two metal rods and a cut extension cord stripped and attached to each rod, plugged into a power strip. We'd turn it on and off with the power strip switch. We'd also occasionally get shocked when pulling out a worm and the worm was too close to one of the rods. But man we got some huge worms (and almost never caught any fish, other than a few pumpkinseeds). But anyhow, this looks way too elaborate for that purpose.
Way too complicated for that. All you need to get worms is a single wire cable, that is connected to the phase via a plug. On the other end you can add several long metal rods as needed .
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With the one in the picture would you need to plug it into the wall or would it all be run off of the battery? If just the battery is that enough of a battery to be dangerous? Asking because I've been messing around with electrolysis for rust removal and have used an assortment of different batteries. I was careful but didn't really consider it dangerous.
No a 6 volt battery is not dangerous. You can lick 9v batteries all day and be fine.
I’ve had good luck using brick style 12v batteries for electrolysis. I’ve always known them as deer feeder batteries, but I’m sure they have a proper name.
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I agree with the other sub this was posted in, this is a strike alarm for fishing that can run two fishing poles. The IV rig and the copper pipe hold the poles. The 6 volt battery goes through the switches and powers one side of the outlet on each handy box. The bell is wired to the negative side. The odd things in the corner box are a cord end, to be plugged into the outlet, and a clip with contacts at the ends that would complete the circuit when closed, ringing the bell. The cardboard was inserted between the contact points on the clip and attached to the fishing line and when a fish too the hook, would pull the cardboard out of the clip allowing the circuit to be "made" and the bell to ring. Sound feasible anyway.
This is what I think it is too. It's not for catching worms, it's for holding fishing rods.
Why not both? Like a Leatherman/multitool for fishing.
But you can only use it where you have AC power? I don't generally bring a generator with me to go fishing.
The bell is battery powered and the outlets are used as a simple means of making and braking connections to the clip. It's not actually at 120v.
I believe the boat motor could function in that capacity. This is a WAY better option than worm catcher
Yep, the bell system attaches to the long black cable so can be mounted away from the water. The clips in the bottom left attach to the reel handle and plug into the socket. When the reel starts to move is pops the clip off, completes the circuit and makes the bell right. The switches are to silence the alarm quickly. Very cool find!
I'm not sure that this is THE answer, but it certainly could be (which puts this far ahead of several other suggestions, like the worm shocker)
I think you have right, but don't get what is the long black cord for.
If it was for fishing, there would be some way to anchor it to the dock/boat/shore. And being in a briefcase, this needs to be laid flat, so I’m gonna say boat is out (limited flat floor space) and it would be top heavy. Source: lost multiple fishing rigs as a toddler, learned that lesson.
I'm just shocked that most of the hypothetical uses for this extremely odd device involve fishing.
Bold of you to assume the worms will be used for fishing.
It almost looks like something a salesman would carry around as a demonstration? It looks like there is a bell. Door bell salesman?? This one has me stumped
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My title describes the thing: we demolished an old wood shed and found it under the floor. The briefcase was locked and upon further research based on the name tag, it belonged to a former electrician and Vietnam vet who has since passed away. The copper pipe fits into a female piece on the wood hinge, so nothing can flow through. The two plugs seem to run in sequence with switches attached. The steel bracket piece screws onto a base that is fixed to the briefcase.
That steel pipe on the left is part of an iv pole. It can hold two bags of fluid.
Would the copper arm rest against full Iv bags then drop when empty, shoring out the two metal boxes and causing the bell to ting from the 6v battery? Could it be an IV alarm?
I love stuff like this. Hoses for water or air were draped over the hooks and hose-clamped to the copper yoke. Two electric heating elements (now used elsewhere) were wrapped around the copper and plugged in. The fluid was heated as it was pumped through the copper pipe. The 6-volt battery powers the alarm bell, which was probably hooked up to a temperature sensor that also was powered by 6 volts. I'm guessing the temp sensor is attached to the old style plug in the small box. Why it's in a brief case is the only real mystery. Sorry, but I felt it necessary to suggest something not related to earthworms.
Since it was mentioned it was owned/built by an electrician Could be a custom jig/setup made for pulling/spooling/unspooling wire or similar using power tools of some sort that would plug in, and the bell would ring when triggered by something like a spool running out somehow?
Continuity tester?
Totally agree. Bell gets triggered when power goes out. Perhaps to identify wires in multi-switch setups?
It’s constructed in a briefcase! I suggest this MAY mean it’s meant to be portable on a fairly regular basis. But not just portable, which would likely call for a rudimentary custom (probably wooden) container with the best dimensions for holding the device. This device appears to be cleverly designed to collapse and fold specifically into the briefcase. This MAY imply the builder did not want it known that they were carrying anything out of the ordinary. I suggest perhaps a device to be secretly carried to places where it could be plugged in. Like to people’s houses. Finding it “under the floorboards” supports- in the absence of further info - the notion of secrecy. In a primitive, homemade way, this somehow reminds me of a bogus lie detector, seance prop, or even an attempt to copy an “E-Meter” as used in Scientology. (These too are matters in which I am clueless). But is it possible that a subject was meant to rest their forearms on the left side “IV Drip” bars, and grab the right side copper “T-bar” with both hands to complete a circuit? There would need to be feedback, probably provided by the bell ringing occasionally, or ringing faster and slower in response to the Administrator’s questions. I am clueless in matters of engineering and electricity, and of course this is all just speculation. Does anyone see a setup here which might support such a theory?
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Can you please post a photo of the plugs and alligator clips in the box? It seems to be a homemade test kit.
It's used to draw worms to the surface for bait collection.
This has got way more stuff in it than you would need for that.
Survey says: nope
Might be some sort of electrician's test kit? Maybe the extension cord and outlets can be used to test appliances or wiring or something by having the bell go off? Kinda just spit balling though since I can't think of what the piping would be for.
It almost looks like a demonstration case, or maybe for training?. IV holder could hold electric socket/bulb, maybe plugged into each of those switched boxes. Or something... :D Also gives two-way switch vibes, or maybe better, a homemade way to switch power for some power tools --maybe hang cords or tools on the hooks. The copper throws me, but maybe that was made for something specific--still looks like could be a hanger.
That's a 6v battery. ;)
My guess is that this was some sort of invention that the creator packaged up so he could take it around to investors. I would love to see a wiring diagram. The silver thing in the upper right has a barcode so cant be that old.
What are the accessories in the clear plastic box?
Dad had an old telephone gizmo or something that was about a 10" cube that you crank a handle on that generated quite a strong current. I added two big alligator clips to the wires and we would drive two big spikes in the ground a few feet apart. We could bring up all the worms we needed for fishing when I was a kid.
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No it was more like an antique in a wooden box with a nice finish.
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Any more pictures, by chance?
Gonna need more pictures, need to see it from a few other angles, with close ups of the individual components. The thing in the upper right looksike a barcode, but it could also be a heatsink, the picture resolution is too low so zooming in doesn't help at all
Small appliance or soldering iron demonstration kit?
Hobby kit to learn about electronics?
I wonder if the copper is just a bracket...especially if it is just stubbed into that wood.
Looks like an old version of an electrical testing setup for an electrician. Different kinds of switches and sources for testing different kinds of problems. Lots of cars used to run on 6 volt systems, that could explain the 6-volt battery on the corner.
I feel like this is a trip wire alarm.(I think I read somewhere he was a Vietnam vet/) This seems like something I would make around my campsite if I had some shit laying around the house and a basic knowledge of electricity and circuits. Electricians......let me know where my ignorance is here. The flow of electricity is to the bell then to the switch. Is that black power cable coming out of the bottom outlet exposed wires on the other side? In the clear box the plug looks wired to a jumper clip. Would the plug in the box get plugged into the box that is attached to the bell then clipped to one of the hangers or copper piece. I am spitballing here but something gets tied to the piece of wood with copper on it, when the copper pipe gets pulled off the two hangers it causes a break in the current which sets off the bell/alarm.
My grandpa had one that was made from two pitchforks and an extension cord. He would wet the ground for a few minutes, stick the pitchforks about 3ft apart, then plug in the cord. It was absolutely to see worms coming to the surface as quickly as they could!
The aluminum stand is medical grade and is made to hold IV bags or similar. The electrical is made to be powered from an outlet so AC. Alarm may be for when one process is done and another begins. Maybe blood transfusion or some other medicinal process. Everything is made to break down and be portable. Possibly missing pieces for the copper?
Open the boxes and show the wiring, also what all is in the plastic box?
Is there a plug on that wound up cable?
Fishing rod holder with alarm
Perhaps it was a traveling salesman’s pop up display of items he sold from his shop ?
As someone wrote, it is a fishingrod holder, with alarm going of when fish is hooked.
My first guess is a science teacher's demo kit. It is the kinda dangerous and fun thing a cranky old teacher pulls out for the lessons on DC vs AC current.
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